which oem heads for turbo application

[awd-rwd racer]

i have a turbo ls1. i keep reading about all the different heads that will raise/lower compression. bigger n smaller chambers....ect. which head have you swapped onto your car? or which would u think would be best. looking to get a little bit better air flow up top.

[Sabre002]

317 heads is what you want

[awd-rwd racer]

do they flow better or just lower the compression for "safer" boost?

[DavidPHumes]

Honestly, I would just stay with the stock 241's for what your setup is. Heads will always improve performance but so does turning up the boost another few PSI. If you were making bigger power then there are more advantages, but for the PITA and cost it's not worth it IMO.

Now if you already have to replace the heads anyway, totally different story.

[digitalsolo]

Best heads for N/A are the best heads for boost.   Figure out based on your combination what compression ratio you want and go from there.

[Tictakman]

I have a set of 317's ill sell ya.

pm if u want them

[Sabre002]

I will say this the 317 seems to be the hot ticket for lowing compression and having some good head from out of the box with a stock head.  I dont mean its the be all end all. 

[rauq]

317s are pretty much the go to for boost heads for guys on budgets. They flow like the 243/799 (LS6) heads, have bigger intake valves than the factory 5.3 or 4.8 heads (2" vs 1.89") and drop your compression a little. On my 5.3L with the stock dished pistons, my CR should be juuust under 9:1.

[gnx7]

i have ported 5.3 heads that do 300cfm and larger s/s valves on a 5.3 alum block and flat top pistons.  plan is to run e85.  compression is around 10:1 or slightly higher

the more compression you can run the more responsive it'll be out of boost.  that being said e85 tolerates more compression than pump gas.  e85 likes over 10:1 and pump normally less than that

figure out the compression ratio you need and then choose the proper cc head.  quality s/s valves are only $110 for a set plus machining.